"Stone stacking is one of the most ancient art forms. It may go back to the beginning of mankind," organiser James Craig Page told AFP.

"However, it was brought to the attention of the public over the last 15 years by Bill Dan from California and more recently Michael Grab," two of the best-known artists.

"Events like Llano Earth Art Festival and its World Rock Stacking Championship, and the European stone Stacking Championships, are helping to promote this ever-growing art form.

A balanced sculpture built during the European stone Stacking Championships.

"The skills required to become an expert balancer artist are patience, focus, a love of nature and an unwillingness to be unhappy any more."

The abstract shapes produced by rocks eroded by the tides over the centuries means sculptures can be produced with impressive, seemingly gravity-defying angles.

Stone stacking also requires concentration and forethought to pull off the most dazzling creations.
France's "SP Ranza" was declared the overall winner, as well as winning the quantity category.
The winner in the artistic category was Marianne Winter, from the Netherlands, who came second overall.